I know what to do

50mm, 1/200, f2.2 ISO 250

The thoughts rolling through my head-
I want them to lift me,
point me to my goals,
feel my successes,
and have a vision greater than today.

Instead, they are-
shielding me,
protecting me,
keeping me safe.

But safe is boring.
Being unseen is diminishing.
I am ready for more.
Ready for...

"I can"
"I know what to do"
"life is amazing"
"I have beautiful things to offer the world."

I know what to do.

exit interview

iso400 35mm f2.8 1/160

It was the last day of my mission in the Argentina Rosario Mission.  I sat across the desk from my mission president, Jorge Ventura.  He asked me a question in spanish- "do you know how to find a husband?"  I wasn't sure what he meant or how to respond.  He filled the silence with profound wisdom that I will always be grateful for-

"Hermana Miller, tiene que casarse con alguien que no tiene miedo de trabajar y no tiene miedo de sacrificarse."
Translated: "Sister Miller...marry someone who isn't afraid to work and isn't afraid to sacrifice."

If you know Danny at all, you know that I followed that advice very carefully.  I am so grateful that my girls have him to learn from.  They see him work long days and come home with a smile on his face.  They see him frequently offer to help neighbors and friends.  They see him care of rental property that we have worked hard to obtain.  They have been given the privilege to work there.  They like the money they can earn...but what is even more valuable is the lessons of work and sacrifice they are learning by being at his side.

I will always be grateful for my mission, but especially that wisdom I received on my last day in Argentina.

Saturday night swim

When the girls were little we loved the pool on Saturday nights.  We would bring dinner.  We often found neighbors to visit with...and always played until close.  The girls would shower before we left. When we returned home they were ready for bed.  It was the perfect way to end a summer night.  Now that they are older (and busier) we rarely have an evening when we are all together...and even more rarely spend it at the pool.  Tonight stars aligned and we were all there.  Ellie drove herself there after work.  Kate and Sophie were there a bit earlier swimming with friends.  Danny and I brought dinner to grill- salmon, asparagus and red potatoes.  We were lucky enough to spend time with neighbors and stay until the sun went down.  It felt like old times, and I loved every minute of it.

3rd pair

her last pair broke in a "jumping on the trampoline with glasses" incident

3 days left

There are only three days left of school-

Kate will do about anything to avoid writing her last English essay of the 8th grade.

S I X T E E N

(left to right: Sophie, Rivers, Ellie, Quincy, Lauren & Kate)

She is 16 and ready to conquer the world.  She is already making plans for early graduation...(my mama heart says why rush?) living on land, somewhere warm (!!!!) ...growing...loving dogs and children...and working hard through college.   I can't wait to watch her reach her dreams!

I am so thankful for these beautiful girls (my daughters and nieces) and what they mean to each other and to me.  They all amaze me.  I adore them...and they were the perfect addition to a weekend of celebrating.

Saturday Ellie, Kate and Sophie skied with Danny.  At 4 these three cousins arrived to celebrate!  We took pictures on Main Street and then ate at Royal India.  While Lauren and Ellie organized and added personal touches to Ellie's new to her car (!!!!) the rest of us went to Target to finalize a few things for the celebration.  That night they had a sleepover with treats and movies.

Sunday our plans for church were foiled by a big snow storm.  Snowed in we all worked to move Ellie's room to another in the house- how sweet are these cousins of hers?  And we worked hard to have dinner ready for all of our UT family members that were in town.  We enjoyed tomato and potato soup with a grilled cheese bar.  Brownies and ice cream for dessert.  It was the perfect weekend to celebrate our amazing Ellie Bellie! 

expecting a new niece in May

Micah is getting married!  We love Rachel!  We can't wait for the big day-May 12th 2018!